Rebels Rise Above the Warriors and Cavaliers

Essex Rebels Division 1 men started their national league campaign with 2 wins against the Westminster Warriors and the Thames Valley Cavaliers. 

Essex hosted Westminster on Saturday at the Essex Sport Arena, and gave the Rebels supports a solid performance. Essex took a steady lead early on and maintained the momentum created throughout. Westminster kept firing back with some big shots from deep, however the Rebels were able to keep the warriors at arm’s length and finished the game winning by 13, 95 – 82.

A quick turnaround on Sunday, again saw Essex host the Thames Valley Cavaliers. Both teams matched up in the preseason with the cavaliers coming away with the win. The Rebels had a game plan and stuck to it throughout. Similar to the Saturday, Essex started fast executing in the half court and making some big plays to extend their lead. The Cavaliers continued to fight back going into the fourth quarter, but the damage was done early on from the Rebels and it was a case of managing the clock late on. The game finish with Rebels winning by 8, 87 – 79.

American import Owen Chose had 22 points and 8 rebounds on Saturday for the Rebels, closely followed by Big Man, Lee Linton Hodges with 18 points. On Sunday Owen again posted 27 points with Lee Linton Hodges notching a double double with 14 points 14 rebounds, and Dylan Johns went 100% from the field with 15 points.

Rebels Head Coach was pleased with the teams start to the season, “The guys were excellent over the 2 days. It’s tough to start with the tight turn around between games, but we weren’t phased by the challenge and executed the game plan well. It was two great team performances where we can now build upon “.

Essex travel to the inform Derby next weekend. The Rebels next home game is 29th October at the Essex Sport Arena where they take on Nottingham Hoods in a Halloween special. Please visit Eventbrite.co.uk and search Essex Rebels to get your Spooky Hoops tickets!